Category Archives: smartcommunications

Now you can get free emergency alerts on your mobile phone when you’re within a disaster or emergency zone. Here’s how to enable this feature:

A. To activate for Android phones

Open your Messages app, tap Settings.

Look for Emergency Alerts, Cell Broadcast or Wireless Alerts options. Tap or slide the switch to turn it on.

Note: For some versions, you may go to Settings, More, then Emergency Broadcasts. If you are asked to add specific ID, define or input Channel 728.

B. To activate for iOS

Go to Settings, then Notifications.

Scroll down to find AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, and Test Message. Tap or slide to activate.

Note: For iOS, you would need to update to its latest version (iOS 10.2 and up, carrier version SMART 27.1).

How is this all possible?

Smart Communications has invested in cell broadcast technology which allows Smart’s users within a specified location to receive timely and accurate warnings from authorized government sources in times of calamities or threats. During emergencies or calamities, mobile users should receive an emergency alert – a very loud siren-like sound will go off with a corresponding message about the emergency flashed onscreen.

Smart Communications has made it possible for agencies like Philippine Institute of Volcanic and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as well as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to send free warning alerts straight to Smart users’ mobile phones in accordance to RA No 10649 of 2014 aka the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act.

Moto G4 Plus
1. Go to Settings, then under Wireless and Networks, tap on More
2. Go to Emergency Broadcasts
3. Make sure the following items are ticked on the settings. Also, you may configure the notification settings
when you receive a cell broadcast.

Smart Communications has successfully tested its cell broadcast technology recently in key areas of the Philippines, including the National Capital Region (NCR). This is in compliance with Republic Act 10639 or “The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” which mandates telecoms services providers to send free mobile alerts during times of calamities.

“Unlike SMS or text services, cell broadcast technology has its own dedicated channel, ensuring sustained broadcast alerts even when the network receives heavy traffic from all the calls and messages made during disasters. This makes it a viable platform solution for a mobile-based alert system,” said Ramon R. Isberto, Head of Public Affairs at PLDT and Smart. “We encourage everyone to configure their mobile devices so that they can receive emergency alerts in the future.”

The company invested about P500 million in this messaging platform to enable the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Phivolcs to quickly send alert messages to mobile phone users in specific areas facing natural calamities or other emergencies.